by reciprocal arrangement with Star of Mysore

Mysore, Mar 6: Human rights activist Prof. K. Ramdas today expressed concern over the growing sex tourism in the country alleging that some spiritual organisations and holiday resorts had become international sex markets.

Inaugurating a seminar on "Minimum standard of care and support required to combat human trafficking" under the joint auspices of Odanadi and Department of Social Work, Manasagangotri at Educational Multi-Media Research Centre (EMMRC), Manasagangotri, he alleged that holiday resorts had become licenced sex markets. "Sex tourism have become profession for them" he added.

Prof. Ramdas alleged that many Police officers, Government officers and politicians were involved in the sex tourism mafia. He called upon for a social movement to combat the mafia.

He said that rehabilitation of rescued sex workers was not merely providing food and shelter. "The rehabilitation should provide them freedom and dignity," he added.

Prof. Ramdas regretted that the modern lifestyle had killed human sentiments leading to sexual exploitation of women and children.

He criticised the commercial advertisements telecast by electronic media for projecting women as sex objects.

He observed that one should not fight merely for reservation. The reservation system should promote social dignity and responsibility.

Dr. R. Indira, Professor of Sociology, regretted that many families had become centres of exploitation.

Former National Women's Commission member Prof. Rameshwari Verma presided. Dr. T.B.B.S.V. Ramanaiah, Chairman, Department of Social Work and Dr. G. Venkateshkumar were the chief guests. Stanley of Odanadi welcomed.

In the afternoon session of the seminar, Miranda Winters, a student of social work, Win-ctesheim University, Holland, will present a paper on Legalised prostitution in Holland.